About this course
Learn the history and theory of film and gain a global perspective on cinema on this MA Film Studies master's degree at the University of Southampton. On this course you’ll develop in-depth knowledge of the most influential theories and approaches to understanding film. You’ll also find out about the latest debates and concerns around the industry.
This MA in film studies will give you the chance to examine the evolution of cinema and develop your own analytical skills.
You’ll gain valuable insights into the movie industry, looking at everything from film theory to current issues in film distribution.
You'll also benefit from:
- being taught by expert academics with an international reputation
- regular talks from industry professionals and acclaimed film scholars
- a flexible approach that allows you to pursue your own areas of interest
With the practical and theoretical skills you learn, you’ll be in a great position to move into a career in the arts or media.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Ruby Cheung, Associate Professor in Film Studies. Dr Cheung is an internationally recognised specialist in contemporary Hong Kong cinema, Chinese-language film industries and film festivals, and has published her research widely in these areas. Visit her staff profile to find out more about this work.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in film or another arts subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this master’s course you’ll study for a full 12 months.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
In semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Classical Film Theory and Textual Analysis
Critical and theoretical fashions have led to waves of new approaches and methodologies, each with certain distinctive emphases and concerns. These have made Film Studies into a rich and varied discipline, particularly as they have formed an addition to c...
Film Studies Dissertation
The dissertation is a personal research project of 15,000 words, which is completed with some guidance from a personal supervisor. It takes place over the Summer period and should involve original research and high-quality formal written presentation of m...
Post-Classical Film Theory: Film History and Cinephilia
Following an emphasis on psychoanalysis and post-structuralism in the 1970s, academic writing on film since the mid-1980s focussed increasingly on the role of history in the interpretation of cinematic texts, accompanied by a ‘return to the archive’. Enga...
Preparing for the Dissertation
This module prepares you for writing the Masters dissertation. It includes both taught sessions and one-to-one tutorials.
Research in Film Studies
Full-time and (normally) first year part-time students on the MA in Film Studies and the MA in Film and Cultural management follow this research skills course, which includes an introduction to research, study and presentation skills, information technolo...
You must also choose from the following modules:
Auteur filmmakers: case studies in cinema
The term ‘auteur’ has been borrowed from literature, but how useful or appropriate a description is it when applied to the work of a filmmaker? In this module, we will examine this question through a study of the work of one filmmaker, locating the films ...
Current Issues in Film Distribution and Exhibition
The module offers the opportunity to study theories, concepts and professional practices relevant to the analysis of the distribution and exhibition of smaller budget independent film, in a range of different contexts, both commercial and subsidised. It i...
East Asian Noir: Crime and the City
This module will start by exploring the work of Johnnie To, a prominent Hong Kong crime film director, as the main example to study East Asian Noir, and to interrogate issues of genre and authorship, as well as the intersection of the local and the global...
Film Policy: National and Global Contexts (Research)
This module offers a comparative study of contemporary global film industries, with particular focus on the UK, Europe and East Asia. It addresses how government and industry policy initiatives help to shape developments in the production and disseminatio...
Film Stardom and Celebrity Culture
The module explores issues of stardom and media celebrity in relation to debates on persona, performance, iconography, consumerism and capitalism, as well as issues of gender, sexuality and ethnicity. The emphasis will be on historical and industrial cont...
Film Studies Individually Negotiated Topic
This involves an in-depth study of a specific area in film analysis, history or theory. Subject areas are chosen in collaboration with the MA Coordinator, and content is negotiated individually between the student and the tutor with relevant expertise. Co...
The Supernatural in Audiovisual Culture
The Supernatural has always had a privileged place in audiovisual culture. Earliest films manifested ghosts through double exposures and the ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ special effect, at the same time that the mediums of film and sound recording were thought to hav...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn by a variety of methods. These include:
- seminar discussion
- oral presentations
- tutorial consultations
- essays
- independent learning
Assessment
You’ll write a 4,000 to 4,500-word essay for each module.
Dissertation
You'll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. This will demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during the course.
Your course tutor will provide advice and feedback on your progress.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll graduate from this course with a range of practical and intellectual skills ideal for a career in the media or arts industries.
Alternatively, you might decide to continue your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,136.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Winchester School of Art Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship
Twenty scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students joining our postgraduate master’s courses at the Winchester School of Art in September 2023.
Find out more about the Winchester School of Art PGT Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship
Ten scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.
Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
The deadline for applying for your course for the 2023 year of entry depends on where you’re domiciled (where your permanent home is and where you have the closest ties).
This is because:
- students from different countries tend to apply at different times of year
- we want a diverse and balanced mix of international students with exceptional academic ability
| Place of domicile | Deadline |
| China | 7 December 2022 (closed) |
| Anywhere else (except the UK) | 31 May 2023 |
| The UK (and others eligible for home fees) | 7 July 2023 |
We must receive new applications by 12pm GMT.
Applications for 2023 are now closed to those domiciled in China. The deadline for applicants domiciled in other countries may still move to:
- an earlier date if we have already received enough applications before the deadline
- a later date if there are still places available on the deadline
We receive many high-quality applications, so places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
